Badge kissing my arse - Xabi Alonso linked

Bank holiday Monday greetings to you all.

So Hamburg won the Emirates Cup yesterday. Their 3-0 victory over Juventus meant Arsenal had to beat Real Madrid by 4 goals which was never going to happen.

In the end it was just the 1-0 to the Arsenal but it was a deserved victory. We played quite well, I thought, having put out what was as close to our 'first' team as possible. The goal came when Michel Salgado creamed Robin van Persie in the box, he jumped right into his back with an elbow and Emmanuel Adebayor stepped up and stuck the spot kick away very confidently.

Then, predictably, he ran to the crowd and kissed the Arsenal badge. A truly vomitous spectacle, shameless, clueless and transparent. Now, don't get me wrong. I understand why he did it, I just really wish he hadn't. Given the circumstances a raised fist to acknowledge the goal and a quick trot back to the centre-circle would have been more appropriate - and some of the newspaper reporting this morning is ridiculous. Apparently a goal in a fairly meaningless friendly has won over the Arsenal fans. It's going to take a bit more than that.

On the other hand though, Adebayor had a decent game. He really worked hard, he linked up very nicely with Robin van Persie on a number of occasions and had a couple of chances but his finishing, for the moment, is a bit on the rusty side. But that's what it will take to win the fans over. Hard work, good play, goals in games that count. Not kissing the badge. I'm pretty sure he's aware of that though. Apart from the not kissing the badge bit, but maybe someone could have a word with him about that.

Beyond Adebayor I thought Denilson had a very good game in central midfield, especially considering it was his second 90 minutes inside two days. The whole of the back four was very solid and the two full backs are looking just awesome again. Theo had a good first half on the right and Nasri showed some nice stuff but he is going to take a bit of time to bed in. We had another crazy good cameo by Jack Wilshere and when you hear the boss saying he's focussing on what he's doing on the pitch and not his age you know the young man is going to get some chances this season.

All in all though it's been a good run out this weekend, good for fitness and match sharpness and with two games next weekend against Ajax and Sevilla pre-season is going well thus far. Arsene Wenger's post match reaction is here.

The Guardian is reporting we've made a bid for Xabi Alonso but have asked Liverpool to lower their £18m price tag. Personally I think this would be a good signing. I know the Mugsmasher would be absolutely gutted if we bought Alonso and Liverpool replaced him with Gareth Barry. He's 26, quality, experienced in the Premier League and possibly in need of a change of scenery in his career. As for the price tag, there's no harm in asking for a reduction, but if we consider David Bentley going for £15m, Andy Johnson for £12m, Villa quoting £18m for Barry, then is £18m too much for Alonso?

He would certainly add depth to our midfield and if I had to choose between him and Barry I'd take Alonso every time.

Robin van Persie says he's discussing a new contract with Arsenal. Good news, but I suspect we'll wait and see how fit he stays this season before anything is finalised.

Bacary Sagna is bringing some hard man talk back to Arsenal. He says:

Everybody was disappointed at finishing third and of being eliminated of the Champions League like that. So we are going to try and achieve a season as good as the last one, being more malicious, concentrated on important moments.

I like the idea of us being more malicious. Is it any coincidence our glory years coincided with a plethora of red cards? Now that we're not as sendy-offy we're not winning any trophies. More violence, that's what's needed.

Right, Bank Holiday Monday here, as I said. Not much else going on. I've got to eat breakfast then begin the mental preparations for five-a-side later. Would running about the place topless in a kilt smeared with honey howling like a dog be mental preparations?

Till tomorrow.